Apparatus for treating floor and other surfaces

ABSTRACT

A housing is movable over a surface to be treated and has a roller or the like which moves relative to the housing during such displacement. A reservoir for treating liquid is connected with a foam-plastic roller on which liquid received from the reservoir is converted into foam by squeezing alternate increments of the roller and releasing them. A valve is mounted in the passage connecting the reservoir and the roller and is displaceable between a normally closed and an open position with biasing spring biasing it to its normally closed position. An operative connection exists between the valve and the supporting roller of the housing so that when the housing and the supporting roller move, the valve moves from closed to its open position.

United States atent 1191 Liebscher Aug.7, 1973 APPARATUS FOR TREATING FLOOR AND [73] Assignee: Firma Leifheit International Gunter Leifheit K.G., Nassau/Lahn, Germany 22 Filed: Nov. 26, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 202,518

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 24, 1971 Germany P 21 42 243.5

[52] US. Cl. 15/50 C, 401/273 ['51] Int. Cl A47l 11/03 [58] Field of Search 15/50 R, 50 C, 98,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,114,922 12/1963 Ballantyne 15/50 R 7/1967 l/l97l Nighswander 401/22 X Brooks 401/272 X Primary Examiner-Edward L. Roberts Attorney-Michael S. Striker [57] ABSTRACT A housing is movable over a surface to be treated and has a roller or the like which moves relative to the housing during such displacement. A reservoir for treating liquid is connected with a foam-plastic roller on which liquid received from the reservoir is converted into foam by squeezing alternate increments of the roller and releasing them. A valve is mounted in the passage connecting the reservoir and the roller and is displaceable between a normally closed and an open position with biasing spring biasing it to its normally closed position. An operative connection exists between the valve and the supporting roller of the housing so that when the housing and the supporting roller move, the valve moves from closed to its open position.

12 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENIEL, Ann 7 I975 SHEET 2 m 3 APPARATUS FOR TREATING FLOOR AND OTHER SURFACES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for treating. floor and other surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for producing and applying a cleaning foam to such surfaces.

It is already known to utilize apparatus of this type, in which a reservoir for liquid is provided and a device forconverting the liquid into cleaning foam. The connection between the reservoir and this device is providedby-means of a conduit or the like which is at least in part flexible and provided with an inlet mounted in a float which in turn is accommodated in the reservoir, with the inlet being so located that it will normally be above the liquid in the reservoir but will periodically be flooded and receive liquid as the cleaning apparatus is moved over a surface to be cleaned. The float is of diskshaped configuration, preferably of rectangular outline, and the inlet is in form of an open channel which extends substantially transversely in the direction of movement of the cleaning. apparatus so that cleaning liquid. will swap over into this channel and from there into the conduit. Associated with the float is a vertical guide so that the float can. move up and down. but not sideways in the cleaning liquid.

In additionto the float this known apparatus utilizes adevice which is mounted upstream of the outlet end of the conduit, in form of a pivotable flap which can move across the outlet so that blockage of liquid through the conduit is obtained. The float of course serves for the metered supply of liquid to the foaming device, whereas the blocking device for blocking the flow of liquidthrough the conduit is to prevent the outflow of'liquid during lifting or tilting of the cleaning apparatus. This means that two individual devices are necessary in theknownprior-art construction, one having the purposeof controlling the metering of the liquid and the other having the purpose of controlling the flow of liquid out of the conduit. Evidently, with such a construction-a relatively large number of individual components must be produced and assembled, making the device complicated and expensive not only in terms of construction but also of assembly. In particular it. it necessary to mount thefloat very precisely because otherwise irregularities will occur in the metered supply. of treating liquid. Also, unless the device is installed very carefully it can stick and be prevented from rising and descending in normal manner that is floating on the liquid.

, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It' is a general object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of the type here under discussion which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

More. particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus in which only a single device. is needed and provided which controls both the metering of liquid to be supplied to the foam-producing device, and controls the flow of liquid through the conduitleading to the foam-producing device.

An additional object of the invention is to provide such a construction in which the complexity of the device isreduced, so that it can be produced more economically not only as to the parts but also as to the assembly.

In pursuance of these and other objects which will become apparent hereafter, a feature of the invention resides in an apparatus for treating floor and other surfaces which, briefly stated, comprises housing means movable over a surface to be treated and including at least one component movable relative to the housing means when the latter is so moved. Reservoir means for a treating liquid is also provided, as well as connecting means on the housing means and adapted to receive treating liquid and convert it to a foamed state. Passage means connects the reservoir means with the converting means and valve means is provided in the passage means for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough, such valve means being displaceable between a nor mally closed and an open position. Connecting means connects the valve means and the movable component for displacing the former toward the open position in response to movement of the component.

It will be appreciated that in this construction the necessity for providing a separate metering device for the liquid, and a closure device for preventing outflow of liquid, is eliminated and both functions are performed by a single device. This not only results in a decrease of the complexity of the construction, but also in a simplification of assembly, including a significant reduction of the possible sources of error during such assembly. Furthermore, the utilization of the apparatus is simplified and it is an additional advantage of the invention that the means for effecting movement of the valve are not only very simple but highly reliable and effective. The movement of the valve can be derived from the movement of other movable components which must move in any case such as one of the supporting rollers of the apparatus, and on the other hand, simple restoring or biasing means tending to close valve can be employed.

According to a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the movable valve is composed of a slide element, a member which releasably connects the same with parts of the apparatus, and a rod member or bolt which is mounted on the slide element and provided with a biasing spring, having a free end which extends into the reservoir means through an outlet opening of the latter and provided with a seal. These components can be produced of synthetic plastic material, in an inexpensive manner, each being of-one piece which not only reduces the expenses for producing them but also simplifies the assembly of the valve and the connection thereof with the housing means.

If the apparatus utilizes an open channel for part of the conduit connecting the reservoir means with the converting means, then it is advantageous to guide the slide element at the walls of this channel and to have the mounting member embrace the channel exteriorly thereof being releasably connected therewith, and connecting it with the slide element. In this construction the channel not only supplies liquid but also guides the slide element or the entire valve, so that separate guides for the valve need not be provided.

It is advantageous to utilize the mounting element in form of a one-piece substantially U-shaped body a bite portion of which abuts against the outer side of the bottom wall of the channel and the arms portions of which abut against the outer sides of the side walls of the channel, with free ends of the arm portions being provided with coupling portions. This member is advantageously made of elastically yieldable synthetic plastic which prevents spreading of its arm portions so that the latter can be made to embrace the channel whereupon the spreading force is released and the element will be reliably connected with the channel.

As far as the rod-shaped or bolt member is concerned, it is advantageous that it have a head which is loosely received in a recess of the slide element, and that it be provided with a spring which surrounds a portion located exteriorly of the reservoir means. The remainder of the bolt member extends through the outlet in the wall of the reservoir means into the interior of the latter and its inner end is provided with an additional head which carries a sealing element which can be tightly pressed against the inner side of the wall in order to prevent outflow of liquid through the outlet opening therein. The bolt member also is produced as a one-piece synthetic plastic member, making it simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Its mounting is made possible either by making the reservoir meansof two parts having a plane of separation which passes through the outlet opening, or by appropriately dimensioning one of the heads of the bolts so that it can pass through the outlet opening.

The mounting member is preferably provided on the outwardly directed sides of its arm portions, that is those sides which face away from the channel side walls, with journals for journalling end portions of shafts on which the rollers of wheels of the apparatus are mounted. In such a construction the valve is coupled with the rollers which move as the apparatus is moved over a surface to be treated.

A blocking device may also be provided in the valve in accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention, assuring that any undesired displacement of the valve between its open and closed positions can be blocked. This is of particular importance if the device is not to be used and is to be stored. The blocking device provides reliable assurance that the valve cannot be opened and that outflow of the cleaning liquid is prevented. The blocking device is advantageously mounted in the interior of the reservoir means, being displaceable and having a blocking portion which in the blocking position of the device cooperates with the inner head of the bolt member.

Advantageously the blocking device is provided with several arm sections in substantially triangular arrangement, with the wider sides of these arms sections being guided on the bottom wall of the reservoir means and with end portions of at least some of the arm sections being guided on the side walls of the reservoir means. In this manner, a double guidance of the blocking device is obtained in a simple way, so that tilting or sqewing of the blocking device and interference with its proper operation are avoided. Also, the support of end portions of some of the arms sections at the inner sides of side walls of the reservoir means tends to absorb forces which would develop during an attempt to move the valve when the blocking device is in blocking position.

The blocking device should be capable ofeasy operation from the exterior of the apparatus. For this purpose it is advantageous if it is provided with one projection which extends into a recess in the bottom wall of a control element which is accessible at the exterior of the apparatus. The recess should be eccentric with reference to the turning axis about which the control element is turnable so that a turning thereof displaces the blocking device between its blocking and unblocking positions. The bottom wall just mentioned is advantageously in form of two crossing bars or ribs which are advantageously of one piece with a circumferential wall of the control element, so that material can be saved in the production of the element.

The control element is further provided with a collar which embraces the marginal portion surrounding the inlet opening through which the reservoir means is to be filled. The collar is provided at approximately diametrally opposite locations with extensions which can be moved respectively into abutments provided on the wall in which the inlet opening is formed, in response to turning of the collar. In one position of the collar (that is of the control element) the blocking device will be in its unblocking position and in the other position of the control element the blocking device will be in its blocking position. Advantageously a closure cap for the inlet opening is provided which extends into the space surrounded by the annular collar and is non-rotatably fixable with the latter so that it and the collar would turn together. A marking is then provided on the cap shaped closure member in order to indicate by its angular position the location of the blocking device in unblocking or blocking position, respectively.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned detail view illustrating details of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a section taken on line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a section taken on line VV of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a section taken on line VI-VI of FIG. 1 with the closure member in place.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing now the drawing in detail, it will be seen that in FIG. 1 I have illustrated in perspective view an apparatus 10 according to the present invention, serving for treating the floor and analogous surfaces. This apparatus produces and applies a cleaning foam and is to be moved over the surface to be treated, for instance the surface of a rug, a carpet or the like. FIG. I shows the apparatus only in such detail and to such an extent as is necessary for an understanding of the invention, it being recalled that apparatus of this type is generally already known. A portion 11 is provided on which a handle 12 is secured which is not shown in all details. Also, details of the foam-producing or converting device 13, and of the reservoir means 14, especially the cover which overlies and conceals the reservoir means 14 in upward direction have not been illustrated because they are not in themselves a part of the present invention and are already known per se from the art.

The foam producing and applying device 13 is in form of roller shaped turnably mounted elements 15,

l6 and 17 which are capable of absorbing a treating liquid. An additional similar element 20' is provided which is mounted mounted between two supporting rollers 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The elements 15, 16 and 17 are advantageously constructed in form of a rigid core surrounded by an absorbent elastically compressible material, such as a foamed plastic. As FIG. 4 shows the elements 15, 16 and 17 are so journalled that they together have a substantially triangular arrangement, with the element being located beneath the elements l6 and 17 which in turn are located in a common horizontalplane. The spacing of the journals for the elements is so selected that at the line of contact the contacting elements will compress each other incrementally, with the result that treating fluid which is absorbed by them becomes intensively admixed with air and converted into foam in a manner which is known and need not be further discussed.

The element is located ahead of the elements 15, 16 and 17 as shown in FIG. 4, and its construction is the same as these elements.

.In order to continuously produce a foam the elements 16 and l7-are connected with gears 18 which in turn mesh with gears 19 and they are also connected withrollers 20 and 21 on which the apparatus moves. .The rollers 20 are spaced from one another and on the axle connecting them there is mounted the additional element 20'. As FIG. 2 shows particularly clearly, the ground or surface-engaging rollers 20,21 are configurated in form of substantially cylindrical brushes with the bristles and the bristle carriers being produced in an annular form and of one piece of an elastically yieldable synthetic plastic. Several of these elements are mounted on a common axle and then constitute the surface-engaging rollers of which the ones identified with reference numeral ,20 (see FIG. 2) are shorter than those identified with reference numeral '21. The individual annular elements of which these rollers are assembled are each provided with a projection which extends into the core or. axle on which they are mounted, so as to prevent their rotation relative to the core or axle. This particular construction of the surfaceengaging rollers avoids damage to the surface to be treated. In addition, it assures sufficient frictional contact with the surface to produce the drive forces for the elementsl6, 17, 15 and 20'.

. During movement of the apparatus 10 over the surface to be treated, the rollers 20 and 21 roll on this surface and turn. This movement is transmitted via gears 18 and 19 to the elements 16 and 17 which in turn drive,by virtue of their frictional contact,the lower element I5. FIG. 2 shows that additional ground surfaceengaging rollers 22 similar to the ones discussed above with an inlet opening 24 whichcan be closed by a cupshaped closure member 26. The cup-shaped configuration of themember 26 makes it possible to use the same for measuring the quantity of cleaning fluid which is to be introduced into the reservoir. In its closure position the member 26 with its hollow side in the interior of the reservoir being inserted in the inlet opening 25 so that a handle 27 which is provided on the transverse wall of the element 26 which is opposite the open side thereof, is accessible at the interior of the apparatus for gripping by a user.

Inserted into the opening 25 is a hollow-cylindrical member 39 having a collar 40 provided with an annular recess 41 into which the marginal portion of the wall bounding and surrounding the opening 25 is received with a snap action so that the member 39 can turn in the opening and yet is sealingly received therein insofar as the marginal portion is concerned. The inner diameter of the opening of the member 39 is so selected that the element 26 can be tightly received in this opening, and the member 39 is provided with a circumferential cutout 42 into which an appropriately configurated portion 43 of the element 26 can be inserted, so that the position of the element 26 with reference to the member 39, and with reference to the opening 25 is predetermined. By turning the element 26 via the handle 27 the member 39 can similarly be turned in unison therewith to utilize this turning movement for controlling the displacement of a blocking device in a manner which is to be discussed.

The reservoir 14 and the device 13 are connected via a channel 52 in the illustrated embodiment, the channel being of U-shaped cross-section, and leading to a distributor 56. The reservoir 14 has an outlet 80 with which there is associated a valve generally designated with reference numeral which serves not only for controlling the flow of liquid but also for metering the flow of liquid.

In accordance with the present invention, the valve 70 is in form of a slide element 72 a lower portion of which extends into the channel 52 and which is guided at the walls of the latter. To prevent hindrance of the flow of liquid through the channel 52, the lower part of the slide element 72 is recessed and has a substantially U-shaped cross-section so that when the valve 70 is opened, the liquid can flow without hindrance. A mounting member 73 is provided which connects the slide element 72 with the channel 52 in releasable manner. The mounting element 73 has a configuration of a U, having a light portion which contacts the underside of the bottom wall of the channel 52, and arm portions which laterally embrace the outer sides of the channel 52. The inner sides of the arm portions are provided in the regions of the free ends with coupling projections for coupling engagement with the slide element 72 which is so selected that if and when desired the connection is releasable.

Reference to FIG. 4 will show that the valve 70 further includes a rod-shaped member or bolt 74 having a head 79 which is loosely received in a downwardly open recess in one side wall 71 of the slide element 72. The shaft of the bolt member 72 is so long that it passes through the adjacent wall 47 of the reservoir 14 and in addition through a tubular portion 78 at the inner side of this wall. This guides the bolt member 74 for slidable movement through and in the outlet 80. The latter, in turn, is of course as shown in the drawing, in registry with the projection 78. The end portion of the bolt 74 which extends into the interior of the reservoir l4 through the portion 78, is provided withan additional head 76 which in the illustrated embodiment is larger than the head 79 and which cooperates with a sealing element 77 which may be of foam rubber or the like and which is so mounted on the shaft or bolt element 74 that the head 76 will press it against the inner end wall of the tubular projection 78 to obtain a seal.

On that part of the shaft of the bolt element 74 which is located outside the reservoir 14, is provided a helical expansion spring 75 which bears against the wall 47 and the slide element 72, respectively. This means that the spring 75 normally holds the valve 70 in its closure position, in which the sealing element 77 is pressed against the inner end face of the tubular projection 78, preventing outflow of liquid from the reservoir 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The outer sides of the arms of the member 73 are provided in this embodiment with respective journals 54' which are formed of one part with the element 73 in cylindrical configuration and in which one end each of the axles for the surface-engaging rollers 21 is journalled.

When the apparatus according to the present invention is utilized, it is placed onto the surface to be treated and is then moved to and from over this surface in known manner. When the apparatus moves in one direction, the rollers 21 effect displacement of the valve 70 in a sense making it move along the channel 52 on which it is guided. During this movement the spring 75 is compressed and the bolt 74 enters farther into the interior of the reservoir 14 to such an extent that the sealing element 77 moves away from the end face of the tubular projection 78 so that liquid can flow out of the reservoir 14 into the channel 52 and from there to the distributor 56. When the direction of movement of the apparatus is thereupon reversed and the movement of such an apparatus is a continuously alternating to and fro movement the rollers 21 again cause the valve 70 to slide, but in addition the previously compressed spring 75 tends to move the valve 70 to its closure position. In addition, when the device is lifted off the surface to be treated, the spring 75 will maintain the valve 70 in its illustrated, closed position.

When the valve 70 has been moved to open position, liquid flows out through the outlet 80 into the channel 52 and from there into distributor 56. The channel 52 is followed by an open trough 52 which extends over the length of the distributor 56 and from which the liquid rapidly and evenly flows to all points of the distributor 56. The latter itself is provided as a trough-shaped component with its longitudinal edges 58 being thickened so as to project inwardly and with its side wall areas 59 being configurated in pocket-shaped manner and open only towards the middle of the distributor.

Reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, shows that the distributor 56 is mounted at the level of the bottom wall of the reservoir [4 and below the elements 15, I6 and 17. The element is so mounted that it dips in part into the distributor 56 so that liquid in the distributor 56 can be.

absorbed over the entire length of the element 15. The cross-sectional configuration of the distributor 56 is so selected that its inwardly projecting longitudinal edge portions tightly engage the circumference of the element 15, whereas the axial ends of the element 15 in turn tightly engage the edges 60 bounding the openings of the end walls so that liquid in the distributor 56 can-' not flow out in uncontrolled manner around the element 15, but must always contact the element 15 which absorbs it.

Turning of the element 15, which is mounted on a rigid axle 15 in the end wall portions 59 ofthe distributor 56, in stationary journals 61 results in a steady transportation of the liquid to that point or line of contact with one of the other elements 16 and 17, which is closest to the distributor. The constant compressing and relaxing of the elements 15, 16 and 17 along these lines of contact result in continuous production of cleaning foam, and because the closing or metering of liquid is controlled in uniform manner by the valve 70, the supply is also uniform. When the device is to be taken out of use, the valve prevents immediately further flow of liquid out of the reservoir 14 in a manner illustrated and discussed above.

In the embodiment herein illustrated, the reservoir 14 and the distributor 56 together constitute a rigid structural unit which is mounted into releasably the remainder of the apparatus. To mount this unit there are provided, as shown in FIG. 3, in the end portion of the distributor 56 on the outer side opposite the journals 61, with pins 62 of circular cross-section which can be inserted in appropriate recesses for instance in the frame or housing of the apparatus. The connection between the distributor 56 and the reservoir 14 is provided on the one hand via the channel 52 and on the other hand via rigid webs 63, so that a sufficient free space remains between distributor 56 and reservoir 14 to permit passage of the cleaning foam produced onto the surface to be treated. The unit composed of the elements 56 and 14 is produced of two transverse halves which are connected after the components to be inserted into the reservoir 14 have been assembled therein, and each of these halves is in form of one half of the reservoir 14 and channel 52 and one half of the distributor 56.

It has been mentioned above, that it is desirable to be able to block the operation of the valve 70, for instance when the device is to be put away. For this purpose there is provided a blocking device in the illustrated embodiment which in all Figures is shown in its blocking position. In this position the displacement of the valve 70 between open and closed position cannot take place and the valve remains closed. FIG. 3 shows the construction of the blocking device 90 most clearly. It has several arms 91 which are arranged in substantially triangular shape and which have a wide side contacting and guided on the bottom wall of the reservoir 14. Some of the arms have end portions 92 by means of which they are guided at the side walls of the reservoir 14. This double guidance prevents tilting or skewing of the device 90 and in addition in the blocking position illustrated in FIG. 3 forces are directly transmitted on the side wall of the reservoir 14 which is remote from the valve 70 which forces develop if the attempt is made to open the valve 70 when the blocking device is in the blocking position. It will be noted that in FIG. 3 the blocking member 93 of the blocking device 90 is located across the head 76. The blocking member 93 is configurated as a wall portion of one arm 91 in order to obtain a large contact area with the head 76 of the bolt element 74.

The blocking device must be capable of being moved between blocking and unblocking positions. In order to provide this the illustrated embodiment proposes an cecentric actuating arrangement, for which purpose the blocking device 90 is provided at the contact area of two arms 91 with an upwardly extending projection 94 which is of one piece with the remainder of the device and which extends into an eccentrically located recess 95 in the bottom wall 96 of the element 39. FIG. 1 shows that. the bottom wall here is configurated as a continuous wall, but in form of two crossing strips or webs 96 which are of one piece with the circumferential wall of the element 39 and which are not located symmetrically but which are positioned in such a mannet that their crossing point is eccentric with respect to the essentially cylindrical configuration of the element 39.

It has previously been pointed out that the element 39 can be turned via the handle 27 of the member 26. This turning movement is thus transmitted into a movement to and fro of the blocking device 90. In the illustrated embodiment the turning of member 26 and element 30 can take place only through a certain portion of are, because of the extensions 98 and 99 (see FIG.

1) which are provided on the collar 40 of the element 39 at diametrally opposite locations and which cooperate with stationary abutments 97 at the upper side of the reservoir 14.

In order to make it possible for an operator to see immediately from the exterior whether the blocking device 90 is in blocking or unblocking position, the handle 27 of the element 26 is provided with a marking l00,.for instance in form of an arrowhead. In the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the marking 100, illustrates the blocking position of the device 90. The cover for the apparatus 10 (which is not illustrated) may be provided with appropriate symbols onwhich (in cooperation with the arrow [00) the position of the blocking device can be readoff.

Of course, other embodiments besides the one illustrated for purposes of explanation are possible, and to be considered encompassed within the context of the present invention. The blocking device 90 for instance can be moved between more than the two illustrated positions, namely the open and closed position. Thus, instead of having the blocking device 90 permit full opening of theoutlet 80 when in unblocking position, it would be possible toarrange the device in such a manner that it has for instance more than two positions in which the outlet 80 can be unblocked to a greater or lesser degree. This can be done to permit a continous variation between positions as well as a step-wise variation. The element 72 andthe cooperating element 73 as well as the bolt 74 could also be varied. Evidently, the elements l5, l6, l7 and could also be made other than illustrated, and for instance the elements 16 and 17 could simply be configurated as rigid rods. The surface. engaging rollers could be constructed other than shown, and the overallconfiguration of the appsratus can be varied without departing from the inventive concept of the invention.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an apparatus for treating floor andother surfaces, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and struc tural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for treating floor and other surfaces, comprising housing means movable over a surface to be treated, and including at least one component movable relative to said housing means when the latter is so moved; reservoir means for a treating liquid; converting means provided in said housing means and adapted to receive treating liquid and convert it to a foamed state; passage means connecting said reservoir means and said converting means, said passage means including an outlet in a wall of said reservoir means; valve means in said passage means for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough and being displaceable between a normally closed and an open position, said valve means comprising a rod member slidably extending through said outlet and partially located within and partially without said reservoir means, a slide member in said passage means engaging said rod member and guiding the same for sliding movement thereof, means releasably connecting said slide member with said housing means, and a sealing member on said rod member in said reservoir means and normally sealingly engaging said wall of the latter about said outlet; biasing means biasing said valve means to said normally closed position; and connecting means including said slide member between said valve means and said movable component for displacing the former toward said open position in response to movement of said component.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said converting means including a distributor, and said passage means including an open channel connecting said outlet with said distributor; said slide member being slidably guided on wall means bounding said channel, and said connecting means embracing said channel and being releasably connected with said slide member. 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, said connecting means comprising a one-piece connecting member of substantially U-shaped cross section having a bight portion contacting the exterior of a bottom wall of said channel and a pair of arm portions contacting the exterior of respective side walls of said channel, said onepiece connecting member including coupling projections on the free ends of said arms for releasable coupling engagement with said slide member.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, said movable component including a pair of surface-engaging rollers and a pair of mounting axles therefore; and wherein each of said arms has an outer side facing away from said channel and provided with a journal for an end portion of one of said mounting axles.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim l,-said rod member having a first head portion located without said reservoir means and releasably received in a socket of said slide member, and a second head portion located within said reservoir means and carrying said sealing member intermediate itself and said wall; further comprising a tubular projection extending from an inner side of said wall in said reservoir means and surrounding said outlet and a part of said rod member; and wherein said spring means comprises a helical spring surrounding said rod member without said reservoir means and bearing upon the outer side of said wall and upon said slide member, respectively.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim further comprising a blocking device operatively associated with said valve means for blocking the same against movement from at least one of said positions.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6, said blocking device being at least in part located within said reservoir means and having a blocking portion, said blocking device being movable to and from a blocking position in which said blocking portion cooperates with said second head portion of said rod member.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 6, said blocking device being at least in part located within said reservoir means, movable to and from a blocking position and having arm sections arranged substantially triangularly and provided with surface portions which are guided on a bottom wall of said reservoir means, some of said arm sections having terminal portions which are slidably guided at respective side walls of said reservoir means.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, said blocking device further comprising a projection; and further comprising a turnable control element accessible exteriorly of said housing means to an operator and having a recess which is eccentric relative to the axis of said control element into which said projection extends.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, said control element including a pair of crossed elongated portions which define between themselves said recess.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, said housing means including an inlet opening communicating with said reservoir means for admitting treating liquid thereinto; and a pair of angularly spaced abutments; and wherein said control element includes a collar embracing a circumferential margin bounding said inlet opening, and a pair of substantially diametral extensions each of which is adapted to engage one of said abutments upon requisite turning of said control element.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, said collar being annular; further comprising a cup-shaped manually engageable closure for said inlet opening, said closure being located within the area surrounded by said collar and coupled with the latter for joint rotation; and further comprising indicating means on said closure for indicating the circumferential position of said control element relative to said inlet opening. 

1. An apparatus for treating floor and other surfaces, comprising housing means movable over a surface to be treated, and including at least one component movable relative to said housing means when the latter is so moved; reservoir means for a treating liquid; converting means provided in said housing means and adapted to receive treating liquid and convert it to a foamed state; passage means connecting said reservoir means and said converting means, said passage means including an outlet in a wall of said reservoir means; valve means in said passage means for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough and being displaceable between a normally closed and an open position, said valve means comprising a rod member slidably extending through said outlet and partially located within and partially without said reservoir means, a slide member in said passage means engaging said rod member and guiding the same for sliding movement thereof, means releasably connecting said slide member with said housing means, and a sealing member on said rod member in said reservoir means and normally sealingly engaging said wall of the latter about said outlet; biasing means biasing said valve means to said normally closed position; and connecting means including said slide member between said valve means and said movable component for displacing the former toward said open position in response to movement of said component.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said converting means including a distributor, and said passage means including an open channel connecting said outlet with said distributor; said slide member being slidably guided on wall means bounding said channel, and said connecting means embracing said channel and being releasably connected with said slide member.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, said connecting means comprising a one-piece connecting member of substantially U-shaped cross section having a bight portion contacting the exterior of a bottom wall of said channel and a pair of arm portions contacting the exterior of respective side walls of said channel, said one-piece connecting member including coupling projections on the free ends of said arms for releasable coupling engagement with said slide member.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, said movable component including a pair of surface-engaging rollers and a pair of mounting axles therefore; and wherein each of said arms has an outer side facing away from said channel and provided with a journal for an end portion of one of said mounting axles.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said rod member having a first head portion located without said reservoir means and releasably received in a socket of said slide member, and a second head portion located within said reservoir means and carrying said sealing member intermediate itself and said wall; further comprising a tubular projection extending from an inner side of said wall in said reservoir means and surrounding said outlet and a part of said rod member; and wherein said spring means comprises a helical spring surrounding said rod member without said reservoir means and bearing upon the outer side of said wall and upon said slide member, respectively.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5; further comprising a blocking device operatively associated with said valve means for blocking the same against movement from at least one of said positions.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6, said blocking device being at least in part located within said reservoir means and having a blocking portion, said blocking device being movable to and from a blocking position in which said blocking portion cooperates with said second head portion of said rod member.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 6, said blocking device being at least in part located within said reservoir means, movable to and from a blocking position and having arm sections arranged substantially triangularly and provided with surface portions which are guided on a bottom wall of said reservoir means, some of said arm sections having terminal portions which are slidably guided at respective side walls of said reservoir means.
 9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, said blocking device further comprising a projection; and further comprising a turnable control element accessible exteriorly of said housing means to an operator and having a recess which is eccentric relative to the axis of said control element into which said projection extends.
 10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, said control element including a pair of crossed elongated portions which define between themselves said recess.
 11. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, said housing means including an inlet opening communicating with said reservoir means for admitting treating liquid thereinto; and a pair of angularly spaced abutments; and wherein said control element includes a collar embracing a circumferential margin bounding said inlet opening, and a pair of substantially diametral extensions each of which is adapted to engage one of said abutments upon requisite turning of said control element.
 12. An apparatus as defined in claim 10, said collar being annular; further comprising a cup-shaped manually engageable closure for said inlet opening, said closure being located within the area surrounded by said collar and coupled with the latter for joint rotation; and further comprising indicating means on said closure for indicating the circumferential position of said control element relative to said inlet opening. 